JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street Appoint Aaron Hoefen as Dual Hotel Manager

Tampa, FL, Sept. 15, 2025 – The JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street are pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Hoefen as Dual Hotel Manager, effective September 15, 2025.

Hoefen brings more than 26 years of Marriott hospitality experience to his new role, along with a distinguished record of operational excellence, revenue growth and associate engagement.

A graduate of Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality, Hoefen began his Marriott journey in 1999 as Assistant Housekeeping Manager at the Atlanta Airport Marriott. Since then, he has held leadership roles across both Full Service and Select brands, consistently delivering top-tier performance across balanced scorecard metrics.

Hoefen has held the General Manager title at six Marriott properties, including Residence Inn, AC Hotel and Renaissance, earning accolades such as Opening Hotel of the Year, General Manager of the Year, Eastern Region Hotel of the Year, and Talent Leadership Excellence.

Most recently, Hoefen led the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel as General Manager, where he and his team achieved record-setting performance in 2024, including a 10-year high in revenue, guest satisfaction, and associate engagement.

“Aaron’s leadership style, results-driven mindset, and commitment to people development make him an outstanding fit for this dual role,” said Ron McAnaugh, Area General Manager. “His dedication to both his teams and the Tampa community is exemplary, and we look forward to the impact he will bring to our two properties.”

Hoefen is also deeply engaged in the Tampa Bay hospitality community. He serves as Chair of the Tampa Bay Marriott Business Council and Marriott’s General Manager Advisory Council, and holds leadership roles with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Hillsborough Chapter, Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association, Visit Tampa Bay and the Westshore Alliance. Passionate about developing future leaders, he also mentors students through advisory roles with Hillsborough County Public Schools and the University of South Florida.

“It is a privilege to step into this new role at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street,” said Hoefen. “I am incredibly proud of what our Tampa Marriott family has achieved, and I look forward to building upon that success while continuing to support our associates, delight our guests, and strengthen our connection with the local community.”

Hoefen and his wife, Elisa, are proud to call Tampa home with their daughters Kayla and Ashlyn. In their personal time, the Hoefen family enjoys exploring the city’s culinary and cultural scene.

To learn more about JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street, visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpajd-jw-marriott-tampa-water-street and https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/tpamc-tampa-marriott-water-street.  

About JW Marriott 

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com. 

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.